A cheating spouse is one of the most common reasons for a divorce anywhere. Infidelity is a body blow to most marriages, and may signal the beginning of the end of a marriage. But cheating by itself has little effect on the terms of a divorce unless it is in a fault-based divorce state where the petitioning spouse has to have grounds to file for divorce. Arizona, for one, is a no-fault divorce state so there is no need to have grounds except in covenant marriages, a special type of marriage with limited divorce options which comprise less than 1% of Arizona marriages.

Cheating in Arizona is not considered by the court when determining any type of spousal maintenance (alimony), for instance. In fact, a divorce lawyer will cite family law that actually prohibits judges to hear arguments related to marital misconduct in determining the appropriateness or amount of temporary or permanent spousal maintenance.

However, there may be an exception if the couple entered into a premarital (prenuptial) agreement which includes an infidelity clause, where the spouses agree that cheating can affect spousal maintenance or community property division. In some cases, the clause may be phrased so that if the spouse with more financial power commits adultery he or she will pay more than what is stipulated in the agreement for maintenance or property division, and if the spouse with less financial means cheats he or she will receive less. This type of clause is generally enforceable in Arizona unless the terms violate public policy or are otherwise illegal. Have a lawyer draft your premarital agreement just to be on the safe side.

According to the website of Arenson & Maas, PLC, in the absence of an infidelity clause, a cheating spouse is just a good reason to get out of a marriage but not to get something more in a divorce. One interesting thing about adultery in Arizona is that it is actually a Class 3 misdemeanor, good for a month in jail or a sizable fine under the Arizona Revised Statute 13-1408. If you want to punish your spouse a little, file a complaint with the police.

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Sometimes, when a person is considering a lawsuit against another person, he or she knows that a lawyer is necessary, but is unsure how to actually find one. And, even if you find one, sometimes people are still unsure how to talk to one about your specific case and judge whether or not a given attorney is a good fit for them. One mistake people frequently make is to not prepare for a legal consultation with a potential attorney at all, and they end up overwhelmed during their first meeting. The result of this might be that a person leaves without an attorney, or that he or she hires the wrong person.

However, by preparing adequately for an initial legal consultation, you can guard against making this common mistake, and you can better your chances of hiring a person who is actually right for your legal and financial needs.

Questions You Should Ask

Every consultation is different for each individual, so your initial consultation with an attorney will be different from someone else’s. Many people do not know where to start when they are getting ready to talk with an attorney, and end up just hiring the first person they talk to. But with the right preparation, and with the right questions in hand, you can better ensure that your consultation will actually be fruitful for you. Consider asking the following questions early in the consultation:

Have you won cases similar to mine in the past? How many?

What kind of legal service fees / charges are applied to my case? Are they the same if we do not win the case?

What will you need me to do during the lawsuit? What will be my role?

Can I reach you easily throughout the case if I have questions or concerns? What’s the best way to reach you?

Will you personally be handling my case, or will it be given to someone else at the firm?

These questions are just to get you started, and you can prepare for a legal consultation in other important ways. For instance, you will want to be sure to begin collecting any information that you think could be relevant for your case, including pictures of your accident or injury, receipts from medical bills or hospital stays, or other physical evidence that documents your accident, injury, or expenses.

All of these steps could make an initial legal consultation easier for you, and result in a more fruitful meeting. If you are considering filing a personal injury lawsuit, a consultation with an experienced injury lawyer is the first step to take. Knowing how to prepare for this consultation can help you make sure you get the right representation, making the entire legal process easier on you.

If you are seeking legal representation for your case, contact an attorney as soon as possible. An attorney will be able to help you through your case. Preparing the right questions will allow you to pick the right attorney for your case.

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A drug-related crime is a serious offense and leads to sizeable fines and stiff penalties, so that the mere possession of even two ounces of marijuana can result to at least a $2,000 fine and a 180-day imprisonment, besides the charge of either a misdemeanor or felony. But, probably the more regrettable and serious effect of possession, distribution and/or use of illegal drugs is the change it will create in your life, even after you have already served your term (in case of conviction).

A drug-related crime includes possession, use, distribution, selling, trafficking (including manufacture) and delivery of marijuana, methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and drug paraphernalia. Methamphetamine, particularly, is an artificial or synthetic addictive substance that is used as a stimulant. It directly affects an individual’s central nervous system and is known to create fast but lasting effects (between 20 minutes to 12 hours). It can be manufactured as a pill, a crystal or powder (in white or yellowish crystalline appearance). This illegal drug may be inhaled, swallowed, smoked or injected by the user, causing him or her to experience an intense “rush,” fixation, mania, organ failure, decreased appetite and increased activity, among others. Its constant use, though, can result to paranoia, delusion, mood disturbances, auditory hallucinations, confusion, anxiety, insomnia and other psychotic (violent) behaviors.

Methamphetamine also creates a withdrawal syndrome in the user and increases in him/her the possibility of acting violently, committing a crime or suicide. Individuals caught in possession of the drug (even a least amount of it) can be made to pay a fine of up to $10,000 and serve a 2-year jail term. Possession of large amounts of methamphetamine, however, can result to 99 years in jail and a $100,000- fine.

People who use the drug have given it various names (probably to make its possession and use less obvious). Some of meth’s (street) names are speed, poor man’s cocaine, trash, uppers, yellow bam, yaba, crank, fire, ice, glass, stove top, and tweak.

Those identified to use methamphetamine include: service and blue collar workers, to give them enough energy for overtime work; student and athletes, who need the “kick” produced by the drug for increased mental and physical performance; young women, who desire to lose weight; and, other individuals, who need to be energized during parties/social nocturnal activities.

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Two brothers wanted for introducing tainted fruit to interstate commerce in 2011 surrender to federal law enforcement to face misdemeanor charges.

Eric and Ryan Jensen, owners of Jensen Farms located in Granada, Colorado were taken into custody by US federal marshals to face charges of supplying improperly washed cantaloupes contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes to the market. Listeria monocytogenes is a deadly bacteria that is considered one of the most deadly food-borne pathogen. A Listeria outbreak in 2011 which killed 33 people and required hospitalization for 147 in 28 states was traced back to the contaminated cantaloupe prepared at Jensen Farms. An additional 10 people died from contaminated cantaloupes but not from Listeria.

Investigations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that the Jensen brothers had switched from their old cleaning system to a new one designed for cleaning and preparing potatoes for sending out to the market. The system failed to properly clean the cantaloupes, allowing the Listeria to piggy back on the fruit to unsuspecting consumers in 28 states. The Jensen brothers face 6 counts of adulteration of food as well as aiding and abetting. A conviction will carry substantial fines and not more than one year in jail for each brother.

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If you were prescribed with Accutane prior to 2009, you may be eligible for filing an Accutane lawsuit if you develop any of the diseases or medical conditions associated with taking the drug. Children who were born with birth defects because their mothers were prescribed with Accutane during pregnancy may also have a personal injury claim.

Accutane is the brand name for isotretinoin, a drug that was originally developed as a form of chemotherapy, but was observed to be a good treatment protocol for severe acne. Developed by Roche Pharmaceuticals, it wasn’t until around 1992, ten years after the drug was introduced into the market, that serious side effects began to be associated with the drug. Chief among these side-effects are birth defects and inflammatory bowel disorders such as Cronh’s disease or ulcerative colitis. It is also associated with depression and suicide.

To date, the manufacturer has been besieged with personal injury claims in excess of 7,000. This is a low figure considering that approximately 16 million people have been prescribed with Accutane before it was recalled from the US market in 2009. More cases are pending. Roche Pharmaceuticals has paid out $53 million to patients as of 2012, the majority of which went to three plaintiffs.

Isotretinoin is still being prescribed under the iPledge program but under strict supervision and only in very specific cases. Patients prescribed with isotretinoin are provided with information regarding the possible side-effects and sign a waiver prior to being admitted for treatment.

Not all claims succeed in making it to trial. It is likely that dismissed cases were not handled properly. If you believe that the drug was directly responsible for your illness, consult with an attorney experienced in drug liability cases to assess your claim and to help you file an Accutane lawsuit if your case is eligible.

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There are thousands of injuries and deaths reported every year which are attributed to reckless or negligent driving. Defensive driving techniques and careful attention to the road can greatly reduce your risk of an accident, but there are some times when another drivers’ negligence creates an unavoidable accident. It could be a momentary lapse in concentration, fatigue or just bad luck. The following gadgets could mean the difference between an accident and a near-miss, and could be well worth the trouble of obtaining them.

iPhone Anti-sleep Pilot App – Cell phones have taken a large share of the blame when it comes to preventable car accidents due to individuals texting and calling while driving. Today’s smart phones are capable of more than fielding texts and calls. The iPhone anti-sleep pilot, for instance, is an app that gauges your fatigue level using your own input and the device’s GPS function. It can be customized for different drivers. The app requires the driver to occasionally tap a button that will pop up at intervals which will gauge your current fatigue level, and will recommend driving breaks when appropriate, a process which helps prevent you from falling asleep at the wheel.

Anti-Sleep Driving Alarm – If you don’t have an iPhone or iPod, you can still have an anti-sleep alarm gadget. The simplest types are worn around ear and detects when the head tilts more than 30 degrees. An alarm sounds directly into the ear that jerks the sleepy driver awake. It is a great gadget for keeping drivers from nodding off on long trips and preventing car accidents.

Bluetooth Car Kit – Speaking of calling and texting, this gadget lets you do this safely by routing calls automatically so that you never use your hands. One of the best reviewed Bluetooth car kits is the Motorola Roadster 2, which not only allows you to make and receive calls hands-free, it also allows you to text using voice activation. It clips to the visor so it’s out of the way but still strategically placed. This kit is compatible with most cell phones, but some features are only available for Android phones, such as the Car Finder App. This gadget is a good way to multitask safely.

These three gadgets address two of the leading causes of car accidents: mobile phone use and driver fatigue. The costs are relatively low considering that it could keep you and others from being injured in a car accident.

Here’s a post from my Google Plus about LexusLS new car innovation, safety at Light Speed with usage of LED.

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Two bombs exploded at the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Monday, killing three people and injuring more than 160 others.

Investigators believe that the bombs were made from modified pressure cookers left in backpacks on the sidewalk. These pressure cookers were filled with sharp objects and ball bearings in order to inflict piercing and slashing damage when they exploded. Some victims of the bombing were taken to emergency rooms with mere scraps of tissue holding their limbs to the rest of their bodies. A vast majority of the injured are now in stable condition and Boston’s hospitals were able to accommodate all of the victims.

So far, there are no suspects in the case and the bomber’s motive remains unknown. Al Qaeda denies involvement in this bombing. However, two years ago, a magazine with ties to the terror organization described how to convert a pressure cooker into a bomb similar to the ones used in Monday’s explosions. The organization has also been encouraging individuals to act alone, which some believe may be what happened in Boston. Remember, though, that there is no confirmation that this is the case. Remnants of the bombs are being collected to be reconstructed and studied by forensic experts. The clues gathered through this analysis can help create some indication of what kind of pressure cookers were used, which can help narrow down where and when they were purchased.

As the investigation progresses, authorities are asking the public for its cooperation. If you saw anything or have a picture of the scene around the time of the bombing, please share it with the police. You can leave an anonymous message on the city’s tip line at 1-800-494-TIPS or send email to boston@ci.fbi.gov. Other ways you can help the investigation and victims are listed here.

Our thoughts are with our fellow Bostonians and we hope that the perpetrator or perpetrators of this heinous act is soon captured and brought to justice. Many have found solace in the brave reactions of those on the scene who ran towards the explosions to help the wounded. As has been said frequently since the bombing, people who are good greatly outnumber those who are willing to commit evil acts against innocents and always will.

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Cosmetic surgeries have become fairly common as people seek to improve their overall appearance, repair damage, or seek to rectify medical problems. One of the most popular and well-known types of plastic surgery is rhinoplasty, also known more commonly as a nose job. Rhinoplasty is used to reshape the nose, for both cosmetic reasons as well as for facial reconstructions. However, there are several other reasons why people seek to have a nose job.

One other common reason many people choose to have a nose job is for proper breathing. Because proper oxygen intake is important in the daily functions of the body, having problems with breathing can cause serious complications to a person’s health. For example, a lower oxygen count can cause the heart to pump harder, straining the heart, which can cause it to weaken over time. It can also decrease a person’s concentration and affect brain function. Thus, for people experiencing these and other health problems, rhinoplasty may be one way to help achieve proper breathing and solve these issues.

Additionally, some people may have issues with sleep apnea, a condition where the airways become blocked, clogged up, or closed up while the person is asleep, which can pose significant dangers to the affected person. Although there are many contraptions that help people with sleep apnea, rhinoplasty is among the most effective ways to stop this problem. Reshaping and redesigning the nose helps in relieving this issue for many people.

While many people choose to get nose jobs or rhinoplasty work purely for appearance reasons, there are many who require this type of plastic surgery for their health and well-being. Regardless of what a person’s reason for getting rhinoplasty is though, every person who chooses to undergo this procedure should know how it is done and how it could affect him or her.

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Driving while intoxicated (DWI) charges cover a whole range of alcohol-related cases, and one of the more serious ones is Intoxication Assault. Under Section 49.07 of the Texas Penal Code, it is considered a third degree felony on par with possession of marijuana (5 to 50 lbs), possession of a controlled substance penalty group I i.e. heroin, cocaine (1 to 4 grams) and indecent exposure to a minor.

You can be charged with Intoxication Assault if you accidentally cause serious bodily injury to another person while operating a motor vehicle, aircraft, watercraft or amusement ride with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher. Under the same circumstances but death to another person happens, this is referred to as Intoxicated Manslaughter, which is much more serious and considered a second degree felony.

The penalties for an Intoxicated Assault conviction may include:

Maximum fines of $10,000

Maximum of 600 hours community service

Probation

Revocation of license

Maximum imprisonment of 10 years

But circumstances or your criminal history can either mitigate or exacerbate your punishment. A Texan man was sentenced to 45 years in prison after he was convicted of Intoxicated Assault after a motorcycle accident that left his female companion with serious brain and face injuries. The severity of the sentence was due to his driving with a suspended license and prior conviction records that included a DWI, forgery, possession of marijuana and credit card abuse.

A DWI charge is serious enough even when no one actually gets injured. An Intoxicated Assault charge is much worse, and that’s not including any civil liability that may arise in the aftermath. If you or someone you know is charged with Intoxicated Assault, it is important to consult with DWI attorneys as soon as possible to get a precise assessment of your case and to get advice on your best options of defense.

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Neuromuscular dentistry (ND) is the latest attempt to solve an ancient problem: jaw misalignment. A significant portion of the world’s population (12%) suffers from the incorrect seating of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The TMJ is the portion of the jaw that is actively associated with speaking and chewing and has a major impact on the muscle, tissue, teeth and nerves of the face. In many instances, facial pain as well as a host of other pain symptoms can be traced to a misalignment of the TMJ. ND is a modality that deals directly with the diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJD).

The diagnostic phase of ND aims to find the right position for the TMJ so that it can function optimally. In general, the neuromuscular dentist employs a combination of jaw motion analysis, electromyography, computerized mandibular scanning, electro-sonography, joint vibration analysis and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to find the optimal position. This may suggest there would be a lot of machines in use, however not all of them have to be employed.

Once the “sweet spot” is located on the TMJ, there are several therapies that may be used to reposition the TMJ. One of the most effective methods is through the use of a removable appliance or orthotic for a prescribed period, followed by the appropriate orthodontic treatment to correct occlusion and jaw position.

Not all dentists have the necessary knowledge to provide ND services. TMJD is a complex condition that can be hard to diagnose and treat effectively. But because the effects of TMJD are so far-reaching that it can cause a lot of neuromuscular, skeletal, psychological and emotional problems, it is important to address the problem as soon as possible. Consult with a dentist specializing in ND and TMJD to get an idea of the extent of your condition and what can be done.